Black Star dedication: 1950s highlife roots

A small Sunday diversion from normal ElectricJive programming again – but then, Ghana's Black Stars will soon be wowing the crowds at the World Cup in South Africa, and this music just echoes South African jazz of the 50s in its pre-independence African swing-infected big band arrangements with luxurious brass and unhurried infectious rhythm.

These Decca 10 inch LPs record something Sully Muntari and Michael Essien’s parents might well remember – highlife classics of the 1950s. The Black Beats were re-issued on CD by RertoAfric – but that too is now out of print.

If you have an hour or so spare on a Sunday afternoon, this music will set a perfect upbeat but relaxed tone. And watch out for Ghana at the World Cup!

More on The Black Beats and early Ghana Highlife here, here and here

RS Link Black Beats (link fixed)
RS Link Broadway Dance Band
 
MF link Black Beats
MF link Broadway Dance Band

Ignace De Souza: West African Genius (1963)

Before we share some more South African gems with you, we could not resist departing from our “normal programming” to bring you one or two fine examples of African musical “cross-poly-nation”. A working visit to Ghana last week enabled a quick dig in Accra – thanks Frank, Amansan Komtour (right) came through with a pile of classic Ghanaian records.

The sixties was certainly a period in which African musicians increasingly explored and crossed boundaries. The twist took hold as much in West Africa as in Southern Africa. If you have enjoyed the kwela and phata phata offerings, then you will not be sorry for trying out the Ghanaian records coming up. Or perhaps, a mix selected from the pile?

Originally from Benin, Ignace De Souza absorbed, adapted, blended and developed multiple musical styles – from his much-loved twist hit “Asaw Fofor”; through cha cha, afrobeat, but particularly Ghanaian highlife. De Souza not only introduced Ghana to what eventually became known as Soukous, it is said he also wrote the first afro-beat song.

If you want more of Ignace De Souza, be sure to pay a visit to the the fantastic blog Oro.

If you are interested in purchasing these collectors’ items, EJ will be shipping the LPs from Durban over to our friend Matt at Matsuli (beginning of May) who will make them available. Interim enquiries to recordforthe at gmail dot com.

RS link
MF link
For the diggers: Amansan Komtour runs a small tourist-oriented stall outside Accra's main post office - he sells drums and clothes. His record collection is kept elsewhere. He also spends a lot of time visiting villages and collecting records. Amansan has a good idea of the value of his finds on the internet, but you will find those hard-to-find gems, and you can always make a fair offer.